Coronado Central Beach, fronting the iconic Hotel del Coronado with its distinctive red turrets, is famous for its sparkling sand that contains the mineral mica, creating a shimmering effect in sunlight. This wide, flat beach stretches for 1.5 miles along the resort peninsula and consistently ranks among America’s top beaches for its clean water, excellent […]
Point Dume State Beach features a headland with towering bluffs that extend into the Pacific, creating a magnificent promontory visible from much of the Malibu coast. A trail leads to the top of the point, offering panoramic views of the Santa Monica Bay, Santa Monica Mountains, and even Catalina Island on clear days. The beach […]
Victoria Beach is a hidden gem in Laguna Beach, accessible via a steep staircase between residential properties. The beach is famous for its 60-foot medieval-looking “La Tour” (also called the Pirate Tower), a stone tower built in 1926 as a private staircase for the owner of the cliffside home above. This photogenic structure against the […]
Santa Monica State Beach North extends from the iconic pier to the city boundary with Pacific Palisades, offering a quieter alternative to the bustling south beach area. This section features the original Muscle Beach with outdoor fitness equipment, plus numerous volleyball courts that host both casual players and professional tournaments. The wide beach has soft, […]
San Clemente State Beach sits beneath scenic bluffs in the “Spanish Village by the Sea,” offering a mile of sandy shoreline away from urban development. A campground atop the bluff provides overnight accommodations with ocean views, connected to the beach by a pedestrian underpass beneath the railroad tracks. The beach is popular for swimming and […]
Natural Bridges State Beach is named for the naturally formed arch in the offshore rock, the last remaining of three that once stood in the area. This Santa Cruz beach is renowned for its remarkable tidepools exposed during low tide, containing a rich diversity of marine life including sea stars, crabs, and anemones. The beach […]
Coronado Dog Beach offers a slice of paradise for canine companions and their humans at the north end of Coronado Beach. This off-leash beach allows dogs to run freely, splash in the waves, and socialize with other pets year-round. The wide, sandy beach provides ample space for both active play and relaxation, with the backdrop […]
Crystal Cove State Park encompasses 3.2 miles of pristine coastline and 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness. The park features several beaches separated by rocky outcroppings, with Moro Beach being the largest and most accessible. A unique aspect of this park is the Historic District with 46 vintage rustic coastal cottages from the 1930s and 40s, […]
Manhattan Beach offers 2.1 miles of clean, wide sandy beach in an upscale coastal community. The beach is anchored by its 928-foot concrete pier, housing a small aquarium at its end and providing fishing opportunities. Beach volleyball enthusiasts flock here, as the beach is considered the birthplace of beach volleyball with numerous courts available and […]
Santa Cruz Main Beach, also known as Boardwalk Beach, is the lively heart of Santa Cruz’s coastline, fronting the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park with its vintage wooden roller coaster and other rides. This wide, sandy beach offers gentle waves perfect for swimming and beginner surfing, while the adjacent San Lorenzo River mouth […]